Pamela Hernandez, a Film and Television major and Asian Languages minor, has been awarded the highly competitive C.Y. Tung Scholarship ($25,000) to participate in the globally recognized Semester at Sea study abroad program.

The Semester at Sea program is dedicated to fostering global understanding and international exploration. The C.Y. Tung Scholarship will help cover expenses for the shipboard education experience, which offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study while sailing to 12 cities in 11 countries across three continents. Destinations for the upcoming voyage include the Netherlands, France, Ghana, India, Hong Kong, Thailand, and more.

Pamela expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity and those who helped make it possible:

“I’m incredibly honored to have received the C.Y. Tung Scholarship to participate in the Semester at Sea program. As a first-generation Mexican-American college student, this opportunity means more to me than words can express. Growing up, Spanish was my first language, and I often struggled with English proficiency. That experience deeply shaped my identity and inspired my passion for storytelling to highlight both the challenges and the beauty of underrepresented cultures.

As an Asian Languages minor, learning Chinese and Korean has opened my eyes to the richness of other communities and deepened my appreciation for cultural exchange. These languages, and the communities around them, have inspired me to become a bridge between cultures and to celebrate diversity through meaningful dialogue and inclusion.

The chance to travel the world through Semester at Sea is truly a dream come true—one made possible by years of hard work and the support of my mentors, peers, and family. I’m excited to take this journey, expand my worldview, and carry these experiences with me as I continue growing as both a student and a storyteller.”

She also acknowledged the vital role of the Office of International Academic Initiatives in encouraging her to pursue the program, noting that her study abroad advisors were “a huge inspiration” in her decision to apply for the program.

The Asian Languages programs congratulate Pamela on her accomplishment and wish her all the best on this exciting journey of academic and personal growth.